§ 74. Sir F. FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that proposals are being made for industrial development on the Barnet by-pass; whether the local authorities concerned have adopted a town-plan for this arterial road; and whether development will be 1045 strictly controlled under the Ribbon Development and Town and Country Planning Acts?
§ Sir K. WOODNo proposals for industrial development on the by-pass to which my hon. Friend refers have been brought to my notice. Except for a small portion which is included in planning schemes already in operation, the road falls within the areas of schemes now in course of preparation and at this stage it rests with the local authorities to grant or refuse permission to develop. As the schemes have not yet been submitted to me for approval, I have no knowledge of the proposals for controlling the development of land along the road, but I have no reason to suppose that the local authorities including the county councils who are responsible under the Ribbon Development Act are not alive to the need for reasonable control.
§ Sir F. FREMANTLEIf those who are locally acquainted with this case know that matters are being proposed meanwhile, even though my right hon. Friend does not know about them, is it not rather a case of being too late when eventually he will get to know? Cannot he urge on the matter so that the local authorities can get these town planning proposals before him?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, this matter is laid down in the Act of Parliament for the local authorities in the circumstances I have mentioned, and I suggest to my hon. Friend that he should get into touch with the local authorities, with whom, I have no doubt, he has considerable influence.
Mr. ACLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that what is in the best interests of local authorities coincides with the best interests of the nation on this matter?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is a matter for argument.